Understanding Digital Culture

by Vince Miller

This is more than just another book on Internet studies. Tracing the pervasive influence of ′digital culture′ throughout contemporary life, this text integrates socio-economic understandings of the ′information society′ with the cultural studies approach to production, use, and consumption of digital media and multimedia. Refreshingly readable and packed with examples from profiling databases and mashups to cybersex and the truth about social networking, Understanding Digital Culture : • crosses disciplines to give a balanced account of the social, economic and cultural dimensions of the information society • illuminates the increasing importance of mobile, wireless and converged media technologies in everyday life • unpacks how the information society is transforming and challenging traditional notions of crime, resistance, war and protest, community, intimacy and belonging • charts the changing cultural forms associated with new media and its consumption, including music, gaming, microblogging and online identity • illustrates the above through a series of contemporary, in-depth case studies of digital culture. This is the perfect text for students looking for a full account of the information society, virtual cultures, sociology of the Internet and new media.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sociology, Technology

264 pages, Paperback

First published March 2, 2011

Reviews

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an undergraduate textbook, but a strong one. It is pitched for a first or second year media or internet studies student. There is attention to the digital divide, technology and bodies, surveillance and privacy. Perhaps what makes the book better than the many (many) textbooks is the careful handling of technological determinism (pages 2-9). That is one of the most succinct reviews of this quite complex and difficult debate I have read.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this is my New Media Theory course (Master's level). It provides a nice overview of literature, history, and various perspectives. I compliment it with other readings, but I find it does a really nice job contextualizing a lot of contemporary issues related to technology and digital media. It also introduces the students to larger theories and historical works. I would recommend it as part of a new media/tech & society course for upper division and/or grad courses. It's very accessible but still provides some nice depth to different issues.

[Bear Wiseman · Rating 4 out of 5]

While some chapters are considerably more interesting and easy to read than others, the overall viewpoints in the book are intuitive and insightful. A generally worthwhile read for those interested in digital and media cultures.

[Artur Alves · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a clear and concise review of theory on digital and internet culture. Most useful for undergrad social sciences, internet studies or similar areas.

[David Gunther · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction but limited in scope. Introductory text.